The nature of the hydrated proton H(aq)+ in organic solvents

The nature of H(H2O)(n)(+) cations for n = 3-8 with weakly basic carborane counterions has been studied by IR spectroscopy in benzene and dichloroethane solution. Contrary to general expectation, neither Eigen-type H3O center dot 3H(2)O(+) nor Zundel-type H5O2+center dot 4H(2)O ions are present. Rather, the core species is the H7O3+ ion.